Hajj goes high-tech this year

Smart systems to e-tracking

ISLAMABAD - Saudi Arabia’s Ministry of Hajj and Umrah is rolling out a bundle of smart systems to facilitate the travel of pilgrims from around the world and ensure that the rituals are performed with ease.

This includes an integrated electronic tracking system for the external pilgrims, which applies from the initiation of contracts on housing, transportation and catering until the pilgrims depart from the Kingdom.

According to the Ministry, the system “allows for transparency and monitory capability to follow up the implementation and the extent of adherence of each party”.

The system functions under the supervision of the Ministry.

The e-track system for the domestic pilgrims brings under its umbrella the various service programmes offered by the companies and agencies providing services to the domestic pilgrims, Saudi Gazette reported.

It will have three strategic objectives facilitate the hosting of more pilgrims and their access to the Two Holy Mosques; provide quality services for Hajj and Umrah pilgrims, and enrich their religious and cultural experiences.

“Currently, pilgrims who are coming from outside the Kingdom are tied to Hajj and Umrah service-providing companies and agents in their countries.

The electronic visas will now be issued to these entities who will be licenced to facilitate Hajj and Umrah in these countries,” the general supervisor of the electronic platform for Hajj and Umrah, Abdulrahman Shams said.

Besides the annual Hajj seasons, Saudi Arabia receives a large number of Umrah pilgrims.

According to the Ministry, the number of Umrah visas issued reached 7,650,736 with the number of pilgrims arriving in the Kingdom until the end of last week being 7,393,657.